Abstract: A distributed control system is provided wherein a master controller inductively delivers power and data to a plurality of remote slave modules or controllers via a plurality of coupling loops formed along a length of transmission line. Each of the remote slave modules, in turn, inductively delivers return data to the master controller via the plurality of coupling loops. The use of inductive coupling provides an advantage over the state of the art because no direct galvanic electrical connection is required between the transmission line and the remote slave modules which promise to simplify installation and enhance long-term reliability. Example applications for the control system described herein include agricultural irrigation systems where individual sprinkler and valve components may be controlled collectively, individually, or in groups or subsets, to vary application rates according to prescribed irrigation parameters.

Abstract: An irrigation system is composed of a mobile sprinkler cart; a system water supply pipe supporting a plurality of hydrants adapted to be engaged by the mobile sprinkler cart and to supply water to a sprinkler supported on the cart; and an addressable electronic ID tag mounted on each hydrant. A main controller is programmed to control operation of the mobile sprinkler cart, and the ID tag is adapted to send at least hydrant identifying data to the main controller to thereby enable the main controller to move the mobile sprinkler cart to the hydrant.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact directional receiving antenna and method for providing same utilizing true-time-delay methods to achieve a wide pattern bandwidth in a compact size. In one embodiment, two right-triangular-shaped loops are positioned symmetrically in a vertical plane and about a vertical axis so that they share a common apex. In another embodiment, two pairs of loops are positioned in an orthogonal manner about a vertical axis to form an electronically rotatable antenna array. In yet another embodiment, a single loop is provided with a pair of spaced couplers.

Abstract: The creation and implantation of an artificial nail in the treatment of deformed or missing nails includes preparing the nail bed. A polypropylene mesh is applied and anchored to the nail bed. Nail restoration material is applied to the polypropylene mesh. The nail restoration material is secured by regenerated nail tissue growing through the openings of the mesh whereby the mesh acts as an interface for the nail bed and the nail restoration material.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact directional receiving antenna utilizing true-time-delay methods to achieve a wide pattern bandwidth and small real estate footprint. In one embodiment, two right-triangular-shaped loops are positioned in mirrored relation, one to another, with less than 1/100 wavelength spacing. In another embodiment, two of these pairs of loops are positioned in an orthogonal manner to form an electronically rotatable antenna array. In yet another embodiment, a single loop is provided with a pair of spaced couplers. Finally, in another embodiment, a pair of single loops is arranged in orthogonal relation to form an electronically rotatable array.

Abstract: The creation and implantation of an artificial nail in the treatment of deformed or missing nails includes preparing the nail bed. A polypropylene mesh is applied and anchored to the nail bed. Nail restoration material is applied to the polypropylene mesh. The nail restoration material is secured by regenerated nail tissue growing through the openings of the mesh whereby the mesh acts as an interface for the nail bed and the nail restoration material.

Abstract: The creation and implantation of an artificial nail in the treatment of deformed or missing nails includes preparing the nail bed. A polypropylene mesh is applied and anchored to the nail bed. KeryFlex is applied to the polypropylene mesh.

Abstract: A distributed control system is provided wherein a master controller inductively delivers power and data to a plurality of remote slave modules or controllers via a plurality of coupling loops formed along a length of transmission line. Each of the remote slave modules, in turn, inductively delivers return data to the master controller via the plurality of coupling loops. The use of inductive coupling provides an advantage over the state of the art because no direct galvanic electrical connection is required between the transmission line and the remote slave modules which promise to simplify installation and enhance long-term reliability. Example applications for the control system described herein include agricultural irrigation systems where individual sprinkler and valve components may be controlled collectively, individually, or in groups or subsets, to vary application rates according to prescribed irrigation parameters.

Abstract: A linear irrigation system includes a linear irrigator movable in a first direction along a path of travel and including plural towers supporting a truss assembly extending laterally in a direction substantially perpendicular to the path of travel. The truss assembly carries a plurality of sprinklers connected to a water supply pipe. A plurality of hydrants are spaced along the water supply pipe, each hydrant having a valve, and a pair of laterally adjacent trolleys are mounted on an elongated frame for movement in two opposite directions, each trolley having a docking station and hydrant valve actuator, the docking stations resiliently suspended from said trolleys for movement in at least three mutually perpendicular directions and adapted to engage and disengage, successively, the plurality of hydrants on the supply pipe extending below and between the pair of trolleys.

Abstract: An irrigation system is composed of a mobile sprinkler cart; a system water supply pipe supporting a plurality of hydrants adapted to be engaged by the mobile sprinkler cart and to supply water to a sprinkler supported on the cart; and an addressable electronic ID tag mounted on each hydrant. A main controller is programmed to control operation of the mobile sprinkler cart, and the ID tag is adapted to send at least hydrant identifying data to the main controller to thereby enable the main controller to move the mobile sprinkler cart to the hydrant.

Abstract: A port configuration utility includes a graphic depiction of resources within a topology, and provides a user with at least a control panel for selecting ports of resources within the topology, configuring the ports and monitoring the status of the ports. The port configuration utility may include additional features for scheduling operations as well as accessing and managing port related information.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for improving the reception of a first radio signal by receiving the first radio signal at a first frequency using a first modulation scheme and transmitting the information gleaned or received from the first radio signal onto a second radio signal at a second frequency using a second modulation scheme so it can be received in an improved manner on another receiver. Provision is made in the present invention to select the first frequency and the second frequency using a remote commander. One embodiment of the present invention utilizes an antenna that is substantially sensitive to the magnetic component of an electromagnetic wave for reception of the radio signal. Another embodiment includes a motor which is operable to rotate the antenna to improve signal reception in response to signals provided by the remote commander.

Abstract: A laptop computer paper support device that includes a shelf member for engaging a laptop computer case, a support member secured to the shelf member for supporting a document, and an extension member pivotally or otherwise adjustably secured to the support member for providing additional support for the document. The extension member may rotate relative to the support member.

Abstract: A laptop computer paper support device that includes a shelf member for engaging a laptop computer case, a support member secured to the shelf member for supporting a document, and an extension member pivotally or otherwise adjustably secured to the support member for providing additional support for the document. The extension member may rotate relative to the support member.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer readable medium is provided for tracking processes using a socket object. The processes are utilized to execute an application program. Initially, a process list for the socket object is created, such that the process list contains a process identifier for a first process using the socket object. If a second process is using the socket object, the process list is updated to include the process identifier for the second process.

Abstract: A laptop computer paper support device for removably setting on the top of a laptop computer case and for holding at least one document above a screen on a laptop computer. The laptop computer paper support device comprises a support member and shelf member. The support member includes a front surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, a right edge and a connection axis passing through the left edge and the right edge. The connection axis is substantially perpendicular to the left edge. The shelf member is pivotally attached at the connection axis to the front surface of the support member. The shelf member includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The shelf member also includes a shelf ledge adapted for maintaining a document upon the top surface of the shelf member. The shelf ledge is attached to the top surface and extends upwardly from the top surface at a non-zero angle. The shelf member further includes a shelf flange adapted for setting on the top of a laptop computer case.

Abstract: A laptop computer paper support device for removably setting on the top of a laptop computer case and for holding at least one document above a screen on a laptop computer. The laptop computer paper support device comprises a support member and shelf member. The support member includes a front surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, a right edge and a connection axis passing through the left edge and the right edge. The connection axis is substantially perpendicular to the left edge. The shelf member is pivotally attached at the connection axis to the front surface of the support member. The shelf member includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The shelf member also includes a shelf ledge adapted for maintaining a document upon the top surface of the shelf member. The shelf ledge is attached to the top surface and extends upwardly from the top surface at a non-zero angle. The shelf member further includes a shelf flange adapted for setting on the top of a laptop computer case.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for differentiating articles in a product stream is described, and which includes an acoustic generator for generating acoustic energy; a plurality of articles located in receiving relation relative to the acoustic energy, and wherein the plurality of articles receive at least a portion of the acoustic energy, and wherein at least some of the acoustic energy received by the plurality of articles is converted into electromagnetic energy; a sensor for detecting at least some of the electromagnetic energy generated by the conversion of the acoustic energy; and a processor operably coupled with the sensor for differentiating the plurality of articles based upon the electromagnetic energy sensed.